Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God? These words from Psalm 42 ask a simple yet poignant question. Why are you depressed? Depression, to varying degrees, will affect all of us. It is true that you may never be diagnosed with clinical depression or need medication to help control the symptoms, but all of us, at times, will experience bouts of depression. In this article we will look at the characteristics and causes of depression. As well, we will look at what help is available to those who find themselves in the midst of their dark night of the soul.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DEPRESSION
Depression is rightly described as anger turned inward, and it can make the strongest person weak. When you are depressed you lose all hope. You no longer find anything to get excited about. You have trouble sleeping, or maybe you sleep all day and can’t get out of bed, your eating habits change and your self-esteem is non-existent. Before depression you were able to think and communicate intelligently, but now you notice your thoughts are running together; you can’t seem to concentrate enough to carry on an adult conversation. For some, there is suicidal ideation… “I wonder what it would be like if I was not here?” It is maddening, but you can’t find the energy to correct the problem; you do not know how to correct the problem. Depression has stormed into your life and robbed you of the joy and happiness you once experienced. You feel empty!
WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION
Depression can be brought on by a myriad of issues and it can come out of nowhere. Happy things such as weddings, the birth of a child or graduation can bring about depression, as well as sad and difficult experiences such as the death of a loved one, divorce or sickness. For some it is easy to see why they are battling depression and for others there seems to be no logical reason why the struggle occurs. No matter the cause, however, depression is real and for the one who is in the midst of it they will do or give anything to move beyond the feelings.
THERE IS HOPE
If you find yourself in the midst of this battle or you have a loved one that is carrying this burden I want to encourage you that there is hope. Without trying to sound trite or give a simple, uncompassionate answer Psalm 42 does provide us with the only true way to navigate through depression and that is by putting your hope in God (Psalm 42:5-6). This may appear impossible, as you do not have the energy to do anything, but you must find a way to put your hope in the one true God, the God who, according to Philippians 4:7 will give us peace that transcends all understanding (i.e. it does not make sense to an unbelieving world).
Clinically speaking the greatest thing you can do is seek help. Do not allow yourself or your loved one to continue to suffer when help is available. It is not a sign of weakness to admit you need help. In fact, it is a sign of wisdom. Proverbs
Equally important is a thorough medical exam. Depression is often due to medical conditions and only your medical doctor can understand and address those issues correctly. It is essential that you get a medical exam yearly. It is good stewardship.
Another important point any quality counselor will consider when he is treating depression is the physiological issues. These include your eating, sleeping and exercise habits. Research has shown that positive physiological patterns in ones life have a great impact in treating depression. You must get a quality night sleep, eat healthy and develop a simple, but effective exercise routine. Doing these things will aid tremendously in decreasing the depressive symptoms.
Lastly, I want to encourage you if you find yourself struggling with depression to seek help. There are things that we can do together to treat depression effectively. You or your loved one does not have to go at it alone. Help is available. Together we will assess the situation and work to combat the issues from a physiological, medical and spiritual/emotional standpoint.
As I close let me remind you of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. It is a great passage for those who find themselves in the midst of depression. “We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an internal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
